I studied Fashion Design at The University of the West of England in Bristol, and graduated with a Ba(hons) in 2005. During my time at university I was selected to exhibit at Graduate Fashion week in London and at The RWA in Bristol. My degree covered many areas including design, pattern cutting and sample development, garment construction, illustration, technical drawing, styling, business, visual culture and contextual studies. I was really lucky that at the time the course covered lots of technical stuff, which now put together with 12 years industry experience I am pleased to pass on what I can to Millie Moon workshoppers.

After university I started my career as a Junior Designer for a specialist company which design and produce heavy duty leather and textile products, mainly for the Police and Armed Forces. It was very much ‘in at the deep end’ but great experience – if I could work with leather on heavy machinery I can sew anything….
Along the way I have also worked for a luxury leather brand and a floral designer – I always seem to pick nice/tempting products to work with, including being at Millie Moon, trying to resist new fabric every week!

I also currently work with amazing Womenswear and Bridal designer Alexandra King. I met Alexandra at university and now help her create handmade clothing and accessories for women worldwide from her Wells shop and studio. We design and make every garment, mostly dresses, in house and strongly believe in traditional craftsmanship and service. I am mainly involved with the actual making of the dresses, it may surprise you to know that despite my background in ‘design’ I hate drawing, so we work well together – Alexandra is an inspiration. www.alexandra-king.com

Since school/college/university and beyond my influences have come from twentieth century art, media and design. We’ve had a crazy busy year for wedding dresses, so my personal projects have taken a bit of a hit, but I’ve recently made a few tops from the new jersey and lace fabrics from Millie Moon, given my spare room a little make over with a new lampshade and cushions and I’ve got one of the new Merchant and Mills patterns ready and waiting for the perfect material.

I’ve been leading workshops for Millie Moon for 5 years now, where does the time go! – it’s great to be able to share skills in such a colourful and creative environment, plus I absolutely love coming over to Frome. My workshops mainly run on Tuesdays, coming up in the next few weeks I’ve got baby bloomers, peter pan collars, kids dungaree dress making and garter making. My 6 week dressmaking evening class is always popular and I’ve met some great people over the years, I’ve also just launched a 4 week dressmaking ‘master class’ which will run again later in the summer.

I am happy to offer 1-1 sewing/dressmaking tuition, how to get the most from your Overlocker sessions and I’ve also been known to help out with the odd Hen party.

For more information about Annas next workshops email us info@milliemoonshop.co.uk or take a look on the website or you can follow Anna on Facebook and twitter

Anna has aslo designed her own range of children clothes patterns. Tested and tried in the workshops, these patterns are great for all sewers. Patterns range from ages 1-5 or 3-12 years. All available in store and on the website.

We have a new summer offer for 2017 – You can now buy 3 sewing club classes for only £24! Call 01373 464437 to book this special offer (not available online)

In July we will be creating butterfly applique pictures, in August we be making felt scotty dog toys and in September fox cushions.

In October children can come along and make as many different animal badges as they can in the 2-hour sewing class. I am already designing new patterns for the 6-week summer holiday, Halloween, Christmas and the 2018 children’s sewing club!

Most recently I have been designing a bumble bee toy with lovely big wings and a spotty ladybird for children to make in the summer holidays.

I’ve also been making a scary spider toy for October half term and felt christmas decorations for the November sewing club, which will include snowmen, hearts, Christmas puddings and shiny star decorations.

I have lots more planned for my 2018 sewing club, including a lion cushion, an octopus toy, a bunny bag and a big crazy monster.

When I’m not teaching and designing for my sewing club, I enjoy making things for my niece and nephew in Australia. I made some felt food for my niece’s play kitchen, a little owl handbag and some animals for her dolls house.